LATE Post: I agree totally with these comments: Wish I would have seen them before: "Nov 6, 2024 Customer service needs some serious improvements especially in the post sale phase. ...." They are very attentive in the beginning but no so much post sale after you've given them your money. read more

This is probably an unfair review, or maybe it isn't...you decide. My husband and I came here through word-of-mouth from my husband's coworkers who have the same eye care insurance. Booking the appointment was fine. Minor point, they don't run like clockwork, even though the name is "eyework". It says eye not clock. You should check their lunch hour and decide if you want to be standing in the cold or not while waiting for their lunch over to end. What is cold anyway in the Bay Area? This isn't Colorado. In Colorado, they would open the doors earlier to let people in from the snow. Doctor was fine. My vision went from -8 to -10 in two years. I'm thinking I may need to start learning braille. (Spoilers, no I didn't go get a second opinion.) We picked out frames. I am mightily blessed with a wide face and a flat nose, as in I don't have strong nose bridge. The workers reassured me that lots of customers have my style of face. Great. I picked out a pair by Oliver People and paid $800-1000 for my frames. This is San Mateo, right? People love chucking money at the sky. For me, it's because it was one of two pairs designed for women* they had available that would fit my face. Did I choose the more expensive pair? Sure I did, because I thought it would be more comfortable and I liked the color. This is the worst pair of eyeglasses I have ever owned. And by this point, I've owned probably 25-30 pairs of eyeglasses. The titanium is nice and light, so yes, it is more comfortable; I don't have any pain at the temple or behind the ear lobe. But that's because the glasses is touching my skull in 4 spots - the two nose pads and two tiny spots somewhere on my ear. The frames aren't touching anywhere along my temple. Does this sound great? Maybe, until you realize there ain't nothing holding up this pair glasses. No friction, at all. Stupid, stupid design. I've got bad vision. (I want you to know, I am censoring a lot of curse words to keep this family-friendly). So the lens is heavier. What does this mean? Well, that requires a knowledge of gravity. You don't even need college-level knowledge of gravity. The weight of my lenses pulls the glasses down. If I were to look down at something, say a book, or maybe I'm painting something, maybe I'm tying my shoe. My glasses fall off my face. I was literally in the middle of painting something and I got so frustrated I stopped in the middle to write this review. When I turn my head sideways, and the glasses fall off sideways, the eye pads poke my eyeball. STUPID. And my husband likes to point out, "That's $1000 for you". Also, adjusting the titanium is STUPID. It's "fragile" so they can't actually adjust it (even though the girl who helped me with the frames said they could). The eye pads are adjustable...except here is another STUPID thing. The glasses weren't adjusted when I picked them out. The girl marked the lens which is information used by the company making the lens to match it with my prescription. Well...they adjust the glasses afterwards, so the mark is off now. STUPID. So my vision isn't improved while driving. I've noticed that I have a harder time driving with these new glasses. It's fine though, since I mostly drive in areas I'm familiar with; I don't need to read signs so much. Maybe I'm wrong, but I can see the same with my old pair if not better. And my prescription on that pair is -8. To their credit, they were helpful in doing what they could with the glasses. But there's only so much they can do. So here my main issues 1. The glasses weren't adjusted prior to marking the lens. 2. Likely inexperience with high prescriptions, low nose bridge, wide face, etc. Pros: The staff are friendly, it was easy to book an appointment. Verdict: I'm going to go back to my old doctor, even if it means paying toll and driving 45 minutes one way for an appointment and then again when I pick up my glasses/contacts. *Women glasses: they're as stupid as women's clothing: Overpriced and not functional, or sometimes worse, they give the impression of being functional, but sometimes those pockets or drawstrings are just for show. In the future, I'm going to pick out men's glasses. They're more affordable, no fuss or frills, and they're also wider. But do the people who make this profession think about telling the customer that? Either they don't know...or they want your money. Go ahead San Mateo, throw more money into the sky. That's how you got rich, right? By spending and spending. read more

I've been coming here for the past 2 years for my Contact lenses and eye check ups with an optometrist. First off, their location is fantastic as they're in downtown San Mateo. Parking can be as straightforward as heading to the multi-level parking garage across the street. The shop isn't overly large or small. I've only come here for contact lenses, so I cannot comment on their selection of eye glass frames or sunglasses. Dr. Lai has been super personable, knowledgeable, and customer centric focused. His staff has also been fantastic to work with. Family run shops like Eyeworks seem to be slowly disappearing as they're being gobbled up by equity firms. I do hope Eyeworks remains independent into the future. read more

Dr Gary is always great to work with. He treats you like a real person, goes in depth about the prescription, your lifestyle and more. Wish they had a larger glasses selection, it was especially limited as they're winding down on ZeroG and dont have the new brands yet. The optometrists are very pleasant to work with, the lady calling for appointments is quite terse, almost rude. I've left feedback about this before as well, but nothing seems to have changed. read more

I have been going to Eyeworks for about 10 years. I am extremely happy with the staff and how thorough the exams are. Dr Lai now knows me and my family and is very good natured as well as a great optometrist. My recent visits have been for new contacts and night driving classes for over my contacts. I never thought of night glasses! They are great! As office staff, they are kind and helpful when making appointments and helping with billing questions. I will keep going here for all my eye related needs. read more

I've been with Dr Lai for over 20 years would not think of going anywhere else the office is clean and very professional.

If you're thinking about getting glasses from this store, think very carefully before you do. I bought a pair of prescription sunglasses from them back in May, and since then they've contacted me twice to tell me they found issues with my sunglasses that needed to be fixed -- meaning the product had quality problems straight out of their own shop, not from anything I did. The second time, they specifically promised to expedite the repair. That was almost two weeks ago, and I've heard absolutely nothing since. Every time I call, it goes straight to voicemail, and they never return my calls. And this isn't even the first time I've dealt with this kind of poor service and lack of communication at this store. It's a pattern. At this point, they broke their promise to fix it quickly, have gone completely silent, and are still holding my glasses. Completely unacceptable. read more

My husband and I have been going there for many years even through we moved to South Bay. However, the front staff's qualities have been declining. When we tried to call to get appointment, they never responded. When I needed urgently for a pair of glasses for the upcoming travel, they insisted that nothing they could do unless I made an appointment with the Dr. to get a new prescription, but my prescription is still within 2 yrs. Apparently I don't feel like they care about customer's needs at all. Very disappointing! read more

Easy and fast. Dr. Lai is great and always clear on my options and things to look out for in the future. read more

Excellent place, Dr. Lai is very competent and professional. His office is helpful and easy to deal with. Our all family is using his services and we all are most than pleased read more

Friendly and accommodating staff, Gracie was very kind and efficient. Dr. Lai was also very kind and thorough. He took his time with us and patiently answered out questions. Highly recommend EyeWorks! read more

Eyeworks provides excellent, highly professional eye care with a personal touch that always makes me feel welcome. I've been seeing Dr Lai for several years. He remembers so many details about me and my family. It's like getting eye care from a good friend and a real part of the local community. read more

Doctor Gary Lai is the best. He's been taking care of my eyes for more than two decades now! very thorough, sincere and caring - no wonder his patients are loyal to him. Eyeworks staff are always courteous and respectful and go the extra mile to make you feel welcome and cared for. Their appointments system is efficient, and the clinic is clean and well-organized. read more

I just went here for the first time. My husband and sister also go here and always have nice things to say. 10/10 experience. Fast. Efficient. Friendly. Easily the best eye appointment I've ever had. read more

My experience as a new patient was excellent. The staff were attentive and welcoming--Gracie, Emma, and Brandon were especially helpful and kind. Dr. Ho was easy to talk to, made me feel completely comfortable, and was very thorough and informative throughout the exam. I truly appreciated that the office was not pushy about selling products. I've already recommended this clinic to a friend. Hands down, a great optometry practice. Thank you Dr. Ho read more

Dr Lai is absolutely the best! He listens, is knowledgeable and cares about his patients. I use to hate going to the eye doctor and since I have been going to Eyeworks I look forward to it. The staff are also very friendly, helpful and patient! I needed to pick out new glasses and Gracie was amazingly kind and offered good opinions. Love everyone there! read more

Always great experience with Eyeworks, Dr. Lai and his staff. Professional, friendly, efficient.

Dr. is super professional, easy to talk to, and really takes the time to make sure everything is explained clearly. The whole exam was smooth and I felt well taken care of. Also want to shout out the guy who helped me pick out my glasses -- he was great. Super patient, gave honest feedback, and helped me find frames that actually look good (which isn't easy for me!). He made the whole process feel easy . Everyone in the office was kind and helpful. Definitely recommend if you're looking for quality eye care and great service I've been going to same place and same dr for 15 years + read more

I went there a few days ago , Dr. Lai and his team are always friendly and professional This time, I had my Glaucoma and macular degeneration checked out , My family has been Dr, Lai for over 10 years and he taken excellent care of our eyes Thanks Dr Lai and staff - Jacqueline C read more

Dr Ho provides Myopic control service for kids. My son got his Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses with Dr Ho. She is very experienced with kids and explained clearly to us all the consideration to help us make the decision (as this kind of treatment is not covered by insurance). The best part: she and her team put in the time and effort to make sure my son (8 year old) learned how to put in and take out the lenses from the beginning! I didn't need to worry about doing it for him at all. Considering several of my friends' kids are still depending on their parents to do it every day after months, I feel very lucky that I choose Dr ho! read more

My first appointment EVER for glasses was cool . The only part I wasn't comfortable with was the initial meet and greet. Before I saw the doc, I was asked a series of questions that made me unsure if they had the right person lol. I think if I was told what to expect or what was about to happen before I saw the doc I would have felt more comfortable. The doc was super chill and laid back. Felt like I was back living in Hawaii. After seeing the doc, an assistant in the front helped me out. The assistant seemed very knowledgeable. The doc and assistant answered all my questions and was very patient. read more

I arrived before they opened and they let me in. My appointment started a few minutes early. Very through exam and comfortable atmosphere. Dr Lai is very kind and skilled. i have been going to see him for 15+ years. He is tremendously personable and I have 100% trust in his work. His staff is always kind and edfiecient. read more

Dr. Lai is wonderful. He is meticulous doing exams and explains everything. The staff is extremely helpful. Dr. Lai was recommended to me by Dr. Woodring whom I saw when I lived in Berkeley: it has been a wonderful recommendation. I have a number of issues with my eyes and it is reassuring and comforting to be seeing an Optometrist who understands eyes and who knows how to refract and treat eyes professionally kindly. For selecting frames, I particularly like working with Brandon. I recommend Eyeworks and Dr. Lai without reservation. read more

If you want an actual doctor that also gives eye exams, go to Dr Lei. I have been a patient here for years, and Dr Lei and his team have helped me through concurrent medical issues. Cancer treatment and medication can take a toll on your body, and Dr Lei's gentle and professional nature addressed all of my concerns and questions. I appreciate the eye tests given and his explanation of the results. I am impressed with Dr Lei and his team, and continue to go here even though I have moved 30 minutes away with closer offices. Plus, I love my stylish glasses that always fit me perfectly. Dr Lei is well worth the drive and the office staff are super nice! read more

Staff and Dr Lai are wonderful! Dr Lai is so great and personable. I recommend him. Equipment are high tech.

Dr. Lai is very professional and knowledgeable. He is patient friendly and takes the time to explain procedures and various optical options. I would highly recommend his services. read more

Friendly staff, Dr Ho was great. Good selection of eyewear in-store. This was my first visit.

the Doctor is so great with his patients He takes is time and addresses and concerns Staff is nice too read more

Very pleasant experience annually for me. Dr Lai and staffs are very friendly and helpful.

Dr Lai is a wonderful optometrist and always makes you feel at ease, with his kind and calm nature. His exams are thorough, with the latest technologies. He never makes you feel rushed and always explains things thoroughly, as well as answering all questions you may have. He is a gem. I'm grateful I found him. read more

Exceptional service! I have many vision challenges and they were willing to take the time needed. Also recommended tests and were up front about costs. read more

I wanted to start off by thanking Dr. Sharon Ho for all of her and the Eye Works team for their incredible help and in such a timely manner. Within a few weeks of my first visit I was able to get assessed, prescribed scleral lenses, and had them adjusted to fit me perfectly. The entire experience was outstanding. I could immediately tell Dr. Ho was an expert with my specific eye disease(keratoconus) and did such an amazing job with explaining every concern and symptom that I had with great detail, a true master of her craft. She even pushed to have my scleral lenses expedited due to an upcoming trip to Europe. I truly felt that my needs would be met and that I had someone fighting for me to see again. She is one of a kind! A few years prior I had gone to another optometrist and team but the experience wasn't great and the option they provided with me was horrendous so I had lost hope of ever seeing again. But once I put on my scleral lenses with Dr. Ho's help all I can say is WOW! I have nearly 20/20 vision now and I couldn't be happier! I'm so excited and relieved that I can now see so that I can pick up my past hobbies and interests. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't discovered Eye Works of San Mateo, it was truly life changing. Thank you to their wonderful team for giving me back the incredible gift of sight! Also a huge shoutout to Gracie, Michelle, and the rest of the team for being very accommodating and checking in with me throughout the process. I highly recommend stopping by to see how they can help you too! Eternally thankful, Travis read more

I had a great first experience at Eyeworks recently. The eye doctor was very nice, and she was able to answer my questions in a way that was very clear and helpful. read more

Dr Lai is the BEST!!! Kind, caring and thorough - I trust he's looking out for my aging eyes!

Dr. Lai is the absolute best! He is attentive, caring and an expert at his work. I recommend him and his team to anyone who needs eye care or new glasses. Becki read more

I had a very good experience at Eyeworks. Dr. Lai was very attentive, asked a lot of questions and was very personable. The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is because I called after I came home from my appointment, went to voicemail, next day I called again because nobody returned my call. But nothing major, I'll be a regular at this office. Thank you! read more

I was away from Eyeworks for almost 3 years, because my insurance changed. So happy to be back for excellent and proper eye care. Dr Lai is totally awesome, caring and professional. Next time, if my insurance changes, I'd rather pay outta pocket....THANK YOU!!!! read more

LOVE Dr. Lai. Super friendly and has no ego. I would go to him even if he was not located down the street from where I live.

Dr Lai excellent as usual. Optician Gracie particularly pleasant to work with, polite, efficient.

I was early for my appointment yet the staff got me started on the check in and required testing before my eye exam and I appreciated that. Staff are attentive, helpful and patient. Great to get their input on the style of glasses that work for me. I would recommend Eyeworks to anyone who asks read more